Focus of this workshop will be on presentation, and not preparation.

Dynamic vs Static.

If our preaching is not dynamic, it isn’t because the Bible isn’t dynamic, not because we have bad material. The Bible itself is dynamic.

Some people have the gift of making the dynamic word of God, very static.

“I love how you make the Bible come alive.” That’s backwards. The Bible makes us alive, we are dead. We have living material to deal with.

Trust God’s revelation of Himself and His truth.

Podcast, SermonSmith. Many of the guys see their preaching as a piece of art, and the Bible is the material to use. There is an artistic element, but we are not composers, we are conductors. The composition belongs to God, we are the conductors. (As a former music major, I love this illustration!)

How to be a boring preacher.

Don’t use commentaries properly; either ignoring them, or completely relying upon them. Ignoring demonstrates arrogance and lack of teachability. God wants to speak to my heart as a teacher.

Talk about everything you prepare. Just because you learned it doesn’t mean you have to teach it. You may study 50lbs of stuff, but only have 30lbs worth of time. Refine. “We are into anointed exposition.” Brian Brodersen

Don’t think about your message until the day before you preach.

Have no organization in your presentation; acting as if every point is equally as important.

Never experiment with different ways to prepare or use your notes.

Use no holy imagination with the text; acting as it it didn’t really happen.

Thinking that you are above using illustrations and anecdotes.

Use only your own stories.

Speak as if your stories and illustrations are more important or interesting than the Bible text. Your stories are there to serve the Biblical text. Some people quote Bible verses to illustrate their story. Totally backwards.

Use too many stories and illustrations, losing focus on the Bible text.

Settle with imitating someone else’s preaching style.

Don’t do the long work of learning to be yourself in the pulpit.

Don’t look at the people nor interact with your listeners. When you do look and interact, you can tell when you’re missing and when you’re hitting.

Refuse spontaneity.

Don’t speak to pursued.

Speak too long.

Don’t get critique from yourself or others.

Don’t be open to some change.

Don’t enjoy yourself as you preach.

Great session! I have an idea to write a book, or co-write, a book on teaching and preaching and being comfortable in your own skin. Might have to hit up Guzik as a co-author.